Reeling Warriors try to get back on track against Suns

(Sports Network) - The Golden State Warriors haven't had issues scoring points
during their season-high six-game losing streak, it's the closing out part
that has hampered the spry bunch.

Coming off another tough loss in Utah, the Warriors will take their swings at
the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night in their return to Oracle Arena.

In a 115-101 loss to the Jazz, Warriors guard Stephen Curry knocked down 12 of
his 22 shots for 29 points -- his fourth game in the last seven with at least
27 points. Jarrett Jack and David Lee finished with 19 and 18 points,
respectively, for Golden State, which is averaging 99.8 ppg during the slide.

"They outworked us, and once again we were not sharp defensively." Warriors
coach Mark Jackson said. "We did not take care of the basketball. It was
another uncharacteristic performance and we have to find ourselves."

Golden State, which is currently sixth in the Western standings, made 5-of-17
3-pointers and will also host the San Antonio Spurs on the residency. The
Warriors are a solid 16-7 at home, as opposed to their 14-16 road ledger.

Phoenix got its second half of the season started with a 102-98 triumph at
Portland Tuesday night in the middle contest of a three-game jaunt.

Goran Dragic scored 16 points to go along with a career-best 18 assists, while
Luis Scola added 18 points and Wesley Johnson scored 14 for Phoenix, which
ended a four-game slide and won for the second time in eight games.

Dragic joined Rajon Rondo and Jose Calderon as the only players this season
with at least 18 assists in a game.

"It was a great team effort tonight," Suns coach Lindsey Hunter said.
"Defensively we were a lot sharper than we've been in the past, and the
majority of the game I think we really executed defensively. I think that's
the reason why we were able to get the win."

The Suns are 6-23 on the road this season and snapped a seven-game skid in the
Rose City. They shot 50 percent from the field, holding Portland to 41.3
percent, and led by as many as 19 points.

Phoenix is 5-8 since handing coach Alvin Gentry his walking papers. Forward
Michael Beasley is averaging 14.7 ppg in 13 contests under Hunter. Forward
Jared Dudley scored 12 points against the Blazers and has been the subject of
recent trade rumors. The NBA trade deadline is Thursday afternoon.

The Suns have also been rumored to be interested in New York Knicks
guard/forward Iman Shumpert. The team will return to the desert tonight for a
three-game homestand starting Friday versus Boston.

Phoenix has lost the first two matchups with Golden State this season and four
in a row overall. However, the Suns are 13-6 in the past 19 meetings between
the Pacific Division foes.